2020 Hyundai Sonata: Not The Prettiest Midsize Sedan But Pretty Darn Good

Hyundai continues to rival the likes of the Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima with the Sonata, which for the eighth generation brings new styling, technologies and engines.

The redesigned exterior makes it look sportier than the car it replaces, although it’s still not the prettiest one in the midsize sedan segment. The low and wide grille dominates the front end, chrome stripes run down the sides, and a continuous lighting signature emphasizes the vehicle’s width at the back.

In terms of build quality, the 2020 Sonata could easily pass as a premium offering, with very good materials used throughout the interior, ambient lighting, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (optionally available with a 10.25-inch display). The shift-by-wire gear selector might not be to everyone’s liking, but it does look sleeker than before.

You can also use your phone as a key fob for driving away, on condition that it runs Android, as the feature is not available for Apple devices. Furthermore, you will be able to pull a neat trick by ordering your Sonata to drive in and out of parking spaces using the smart key, a feature that works similarly to Tesla’s smart summon. A generous selection of safety systems will make you feel safer behind the wheel.

Production of the latest Sonata will kick off in Alabama next month, before the first cars will arrive in showrooms in December, so getting acquainted with it is kind of tricky at the moment. However, Kelley Blue Book did have a go in it, and their video review is available below.